Clare’s Oral questions to the Minister for Communications this week were on the need to examine the human health effects of fracking, and on whether the emergency services are using Eircode.

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consult with the Concerned Health Professionals of Ireland regarding the human health effects of the process of hydraulic fracturing. – Clare Daly.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 14th July, 2016.

(10 Received on 8th July, 2016.) [Ref No.: 21508/16]

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
As the Deputy will be aware, the EPA has commissioned a research programme into the potential impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction on the environment and human health. It should be noted that the draft Terms of Reference for this programme were the subject of a public consultation process which resulted in an amended and strengthened scope for the programme, including a key recommendation that the potential impacts from Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction on human health be considered as part of the project.Read More

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the wisdom of continuing with the Environmental Protection Agency study into hydraulic fracturing with terms of reference that are considerably out of date, given that 50% of research into fracking has been carried out since 2012. – Clare Daly.Read More